General Studies – 1

Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

The issue has become more important in the wake of several volcanic eruptions and associated loss of life and property. The issue related to GS 1 syllabus under the following heading-

Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location- changes in critical geographical features (including water bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.

Key demand of the question.

The question wants us to simply describe in detail the meaning of Decade volcanoes. It also wants us to discuss the aim and importance of the Decade Volcano project.

Directive word

Discuss- we have to write in detail about the meaning of the term, aim and role of the project.

Huge amount of data is generated in an economy, related to its natural resources, human resources, interventions made for any specific cause, result of those interventions etc. This data, collected and stored could be shared with the public as open data and such type of governance will accelerate the whole economy and bring necessary reforms in governance also. The issue is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-

The question wants us to deliberate on the benefits of open data policy and open data governance. It also wants us to dig deep into the issue and highlight the challenges involved in this regard.

Directive word

Critically analyze- we have to dig deep into the issue, identify the main aspects related to the key demand of the question. Here we not only have to discuss the benefits of open data policy and governance but also discuss the challenge involved inform our personal opinion on the issue.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– highlight the huge amount of data collected by public authorities in India and bring out a brief description of open data policy and open data governance.

Body –

Discuss in points, the benefits of open data policy. E.g such data collected by governments are for citizen welfare; hence they have an implicit right to benefit from the information; this will make governance more transparent and accountable; it will spur innovative solutions for our social and economic problems etc.

Mention that Indian government already shares some data with the public and bring out that these efforts need to be further built upon (highlight the deficiencies like limited data sets, lack of obligation to do so etc.) in order to reap the full benefits of open data policy and governance.

Conclusion- briefly describe and feel free to further modify the 5C framework, as discussed in the article, attached to the question.

Topic: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Forest dwellers are one of the most marginalized sections of Indian society. The Forest Rights Act vests a number of rights with forest-dwelling communities and one of them is access to collect, use, and dispose of minor forest produce. NTFPs have been shown to very effective agents of bringing socioeconomic development. The issue is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-

Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions, and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Key demand of the question

The question wants us to express our understanding of the issue of access of forest dwellers to the NTFPs, the potential of NTFPs in bringing the socioeconomic transformation of the forest dwellers.

Directive word

Comment- We have to express our personal opinion on the issue, based on our understanding and knowledge. We have to support our opinion with proper arguments/facts etc.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– mention the forest rights act, which gives the forest dwellers certain rights including rights over minor forest produce. Also, mention facts like almost 275 million people depend on NTFPs with a turnover of at least Rs 6,000 crore per annum.

Body–

Discuss the benefits of providing ownership of NTFPs to forest dwellers. E.g increase in income, supplement in income, providing critical subsistence during the lean seasons, reducing migration from the villages, economic empowerment etc.

Briefly discuss the issue of lack of proper access to NTFPs.

Conclusion– Mention the need to implement the forest rights act properly and with full fervour and enthusiasm in order to bring socioeconomic development to the forest dwellers and correct the historical injustices meted out to them.

Topic:Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

With increasing migration and displacement of people due to conflicts world over, the role of UNHCR has been recently criticized. The question is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-

Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.

Key demand of the question.

The question is straightforward. It simply wants us to discuss in detail about the structure of UNHCR, what is it’s mandate, what functions it performs.

Directive word

Discuss- we have to be exhaustive and write in detail about the key demand of the question- structure, mandate and functions.

Structure of the answer

Introduction– Give an account of the formation of UNHCR after world war 2.

BODY–

Discuss the structure of UNHCR- e.g The UN General Assembly elects High Commissioner every five years. High Commissioner is supported by the ‘Executive Committee to the High Commissioner’s Programme’ and he or she has to make annual reports to the UN General Assembly and needs to follow their directives.

Mandate-discuss the concept of, persons of concern and elaborate it to cover the mandate of the organization.

Functions- mention all the functions performed by UNHCR-.

Conclusion– Mention the need for greater support, enhanced mandate and more accountability for making UNHCR more effective as an organization.

General Studies – 3

Topic – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora. Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

With increasing digitization and growing online presence, coupled with the unfolding of various scandals like Cambridge Analytica, interference in US elections, the issue of privacy has taken the front seat. In this regard, the European Union has taken a much deserved and desired initiative in the form of GDPR. However, there are certain issues involved. Question is related to GS 2 syllabus under the following heading-

Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

The question wants us to describe the meaning and scope of the term, Personally Identifiable Information, as per the recently implemented GDPR of EU. It also wants us to express our opinion on how businesses will be affected by GDPR.

Directive word

Comment- the second part of the question directs us to form of personal opinion on how businesses will be affected by GDPR. We have to substantiate our opinion with proper related arguments/ facts/ examples etc.

Structure of the answer

Introduction- briefly define the term personally identifiable information. Also mention what sort of information qualifies as personally identifiable information, as per GDPR of EU.

Discuss the negative impact of GDPR on businesses. E.g similar but not same legislation may be made in other countries, creating confusion for businesses; compiles cost may be high especially for small and medium players, the business may not be enough prepared to follow the legislation.

The question wants us to discuss in length the key issues involved and what should be done in this regard.

Directive word

Discuss- we have to write in detail about the key ethical issues involved and what should be done to solve the given dilemma and why so should be done.

Structure of the answer

Key issues involved.

Simply highlight and briefly describe the key issues involved.

What should be done.

Chart out a strategy to handle the given situation and justify your stand with proper reasoning.

Take the help of the reference attached to the question to form your answer.

NOTE:

We are giving hints for each question. Please use your creativity and originality to come up with answers that are unique to you. But do so without deviating from core demand of each question. Ultimately you should use your reason and judgement to write your own answer.